How a NICS Denial or Delay Might Earn You a Visit from Law Enforcement

Published on August 5, 2022
Duration: 11:56

This video explains how a NICS denial or delay in firearm purchases can now lead to a visit from local law enforcement, effective October 1, 2022. This change, mandated by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022, requires the ATF to report all denied or delayed NICS transactions to local police within 24 hours. Washington state residents are less affected due to existing state laws, but the federal change significantly impacts FFLs and buyers nationwide.

Quick Summary

Effective October 1, 2022, a new federal law requires the ATF to report all NICS denied or delayed firearm purchase transactions to local law enforcement within 24 hours. This means a denial or delay could result in a visit from police, with FFLs needing to provide buyer address information for these notifications.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: NICS Denial/Delay and Law Enforcement Visits
  2. 00:55Sponsor: Legal Heat Concealed Carry Classes
  3. 01:46The Issue: House Resolution 2417 and NICS Changes
  4. 02:05Understanding Appropriations Bills
  5. 03:13Funding Increase for NICS System
  6. 04:11Effective Fall: NICS Denial or Delay Notification
  7. 05:02ATF Notification to Local Law Enforcement
  8. 05:16Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022 Details
  9. 06:17Details of NICS Denial Notifications
  10. 07:22FFL Requirements for Address Information
  11. 08:43Required Information for NICS Checks
  12. 08:54Washington State's Existing Law (Initiative 1639)
  13. 09:34Concerns: Erroneous Denials and Delays
  14. 10:06Volume of Background Checks Causing Delays
  15. 11:01Key Dates: System Implementation and Law Effective
  16. 11:19Conclusion and Contact Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What new federal rule impacts firearm purchases regarding NICS checks?

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022, specifically the NICS Denial Notification Act of 2022, mandates that the ATF report all NICS denied or delayed transactions to local law enforcement within 24 hours, effective October 1, 2022.

How might a NICS delay or denial lead to law enforcement contact?

If a firearm purchase results in a NICS denial or delay, the ATF is now required to notify the local law enforcement agency in the applicant's jurisdiction within 24 hours, potentially leading to an inquiry or visit.

What information is required from FFLs for NICS checks under the new rule?

FFLs must provide the buyer's complete address, as recorded on ATF Form 4473, when initiating a NICS check. This information is crucial for law enforcement notification if a denial or delay occurs.

Are Washington state residents affected differently by this new federal law?

Yes, Washington state residents are less impacted because Initiative 1639, enacted in 2018, already requires FFLs in the state to immediately notify local police of any firearm purchase denials.

Related News

All News →

More 2nd Amendment & Law Videos You Might Like

More from Washington Gun Law

View all →